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Qinitie-1I tant anni (tit-iw.

WILLIAM J. HOUGH, OF MARTINEZ, CALIFORNIA.

Letters .Patent No. 98,868, dated January 18, 1870.

To all whom it may concern or sculling, and consists of a tliimblade of wood or' galvanized iron, with concave and convex sides, having an adjustable rod which is attached to a wood handle.

In the drawings- Figure l is a plan of the blade, showing the concave surface with handle removed.

Figure 2 is also a plan of blade, showing the convex surface with handle attached.

The remaining figures are parts in detail.

To enable others skilled in the art or science to which it most nearly appertains, to make and use my l invention, I will proceed to fully describe its construction and operation.

A represents the blade, which I prefer to construct of galvanized iron, on account of lightness, and to avoid corrosion by the action of salt water, although wood `may be employed with perhaps as good success.

The back of the blade' is convex, and is provided with a longitudinal lib or dge to strengthen it, and give to it 'the desired shape for the object designed.

The opposite side ot' the blade is provided with a longitudinal groove, B, along which extends a rod, B', which is held to the blade by bands or straps C C', the opposite end of the rod passing into the wood handie E.

The rod is movable in the groove, and the end of it is provided with a pin, F, which passes 'through a transverse slot, ll", in the blade, which admits of its being moved on the rod, in eathering, bythe resistance of the water.

'In rowing, the stroke is made with the convex surface 'of-the blade bearing against the yvvater.A When lifting up, the blade turns slightly' edgewise, and easily feathers itself by the action of the water on the concave back, and does not check the momentum 0f the boat, until another stroke with the oars is made.

In sculling with my oar, it is placed at the stern of theboat in the usual way, and will draw the boat as well, and propel it through the water by changing its position from concave to convex` in the stroke.

My oar will be found of great service to hunters of wild game, in lagoons and other places where rowing would be found impossible.

Having thus described my invention, i

NVhat I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is- Y V l. The blade a, constructed with a convex and concave surface, and providing it with a longitudinal groove, B, in which the rod B operates, substantially as set forth.

2. The transverse slot F' in the blade, in which the pin F works toV turn the edge of the blade, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal.

WILLIAM J.HOUGH. [1.. 5.]

Witnesses:

C. W. M. SMITH, JOHN CORSE. 

